New York, USA – The New York Knicks continued their hot streak on Thursday night, outlasting the Denver Nuggets 134-127 in a double overtime classic at Madison Square Garden. Fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 42 points, the Knicks secured their eighth consecutive victory, their longest winning run since 2024.
Brunson Leads the Charge
Brunson was unstoppable down the stretch, scoring 10 points in the second overtime to seal the win.
“It was really mentally tough. We could have quit, but we found a way,” Brunson told ESPN after the game.
The Knicks also benefited from strong performances by Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points, 12 rebounds) and OG Anunoby (20 points).
Nuggets Fight Back
Despite the loss, Denver showcased resilience. Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, delivered a triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray poured in 39 points.
The Nuggets forced a second overtime after Christian Braun calmly sank two free throws with 0.3 seconds left, following a loose ball foul on New York’s Mikal Bridges.
Physical Battle
The game was not without drama:
- Jokic, returning from a 16-game injury absence, played 44 minutes despite a scare in the first quarter when he landed awkwardly on Anunoby’s heel.
- Towns suffered a cut on his eyelid after a collision with Denver’s Spencer Jones, requiring stitches before returning to action.
The contest featured 20 lead changes, epitomizing the intensity of the matchup.
Eastern Conference Race
With the win, the Knicks improved to 33-18, tying the Boston Celtics for second place in the Eastern Conference. Boston also won Thursday, defeating the Houston Rockets 114-93 behind Derrick White’s 28 points and Payton Pritchard’s 27 off the bench, despite missing star Jaylen Brown due to injury.
Around the League
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, rallying Minnesota from an 18-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 128-126.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf strain), Milwaukee edged the New Orleans Pelicans 141-137 in overtime. Ryan Rollins led with 27 points, while Trey Murphy III hit 12 three-pointers for a career-high 44 points in defeat.
Conclusion
The Knicks’ resilience and Brunson’s clutch performance highlight their growing confidence as they chase a top spot in the Eastern Conference. With momentum on their side, New York looks poised to make noise in the playoff race.
